Fennec Foxフェネック
Vulpes zerdaLC— Least Concern
The fennec fox is the smallest canid in the world, instantly recognizable by ears that can reach 10 cm — disproportionately large relative to its body, helping it dissipate heat and detect prey in the Sahara Desert. A nocturnal omnivore, it hunts small vertebrates and insects alone and gets most of its water from its food. Fennec foxes mate for life and dig extensive multi-entrance burrows. The IUCN classifies the species as Least Concern, though local populations face pressure from capture for the pet and exhibition trade and habitat disturbance from development.
Fennec Fox (reference photo)
Species Data
Did You Know?
- Fennec foxes can leap 60 to 70 cm vertically and up to 120 cm horizontally. Source
- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is said to have drawn inspiration from the fennec fox's large ears when writing the fox character in 'The Little Prince.' Source
- Their burrows can span as much as 120 square meters with up to 15 entrances, sometimes interconnecting with the dens of neighboring family groups. Source
Where to See This Species
4 facilities · 0 individuals
京都市動物園 (Kyoutoshi Doubutsuen)KyotoOpened in 1903
どうぶつ図鑑に掲載。夜行性で巣穴を掘って暮らす行動を紹介。 Source
埼玉県こども動物自然公園 (Saitamakenkodomodoubutsu Shizen Kouen)SaitamaOpened in 1980
北アフリカ・サハラ砂漠全域などの分布を紹介して展示。 Source
市川市動植物園 (Ichikawashi Doushokubutsuen)Chiba所在地は千葉県市川市大町284番地1。
メス「いなり」・オス「コン太郎」の2頭を展示。 Source
ふくしま海洋科学館 (Fukushimakaiyoukagakukan)FukushimaOpened in 2000
ふくしま海洋科学館のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source
Conservation Story
Conservation Status
IUCNは軽度懸念(LC、2015年評価)に分類。1985年からワシントン条約(CITES)附属書IIに掲載されている。
Habitat
サハラ砂漠の砂丘や乾燥した砂地を主な生息地とし、深い巣穴を掘って暮らす。
Threats
- 道路建設・舗装や油田開発・採掘に伴う生息地の攪乱
- 交通事故
- ペット用・展示用としての捕獲
Conservation & Breeding Efforts
- 1985年からワシントン条約附属書IIに掲載され国際取引が規制されている
- モロッコ・西サハラ・アルジェリア・チュニジア・エジプトなどで法的に保護されている
Sources
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FAQ
- Why do fennec foxes have such big ears?
- Their oversized ears, up to 10 cm long, help radiate excess body heat in the desert climate and give them exceptionally sensitive hearing for detecting prey moving underground or at a distance. Source
- How do fennec foxes survive in the desert without drinking much water?
- They obtain most of the moisture they need from the small mammals, insects, and plants they eat, and their nocturnal habits help them avoid the extreme daytime heat that would cause rapid water loss. Source
- Are fennec foxes endangered?
- No, the IUCN classifies them as Least Concern, though they are listed on CITES Appendix II and face localized threats from trapping for the pet trade, road construction, and mining activity. Source
Source: zoo.city.kyoto.lg.jp www.parks.or.jp www.city.ichikawa.lg.jp www.iucnredlist.org